DOBBS GEORGE COOT
Malone, WI — June 7, 2018
Event Information
| Date | June 7, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA329 |
| Event ID | 20180607X92200 |
| Location | Malone, WI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.04750, -88.44028 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | DOBBS GEORGE |
| Model | COOT |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s improper decision to take off with a known structural issue, which resulted in hull damage.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot in the experimental amateur-built amphibious airplane, during takeoff on a lake the airplane bounced twice, but on the third bounce the hull "gave way." The airplane took on water and the pilot exited through the canopy. The hull failure occurred to the front left side where the sponson was attached.
The pilot reported that the hull had been repaired previously, but it still had "some leakage" after the repair. Substantial damage was sustained to the forward left side of the hull.
Photographs provided by the FAA showed long-term water damage to the plywood and fiberglass hull structure.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.